were 10,841 illegitimate births and 33,738 legitimate first births
within one year after marriage. If to the illegitimate births we add the
total number of live births occurring within the first seven months of
marriage viz., 12,235--which may be safely considered to have been
conceived before marriage, we get a total of 23,076 births in which
conception took place extra-maritally. In other words, more than 50 per
cent. of total first births occurring within twelve months of marriage
result from sexual contact prior to marriage.

Some factors which contribute in a greater or less degree to the moral
laxity which leads to promiscuous sexual intercourse are:--

(1.) The relaxation of parental control, which was emphasized by
many witnesses. Girls stay less at home and assist less in the work
of the home, preferring whenever opportunity offers, to go to the
pictures or some other form of entertainment.

(2.) Lack of education of the young in the facts pertaining to sex.
Especially the Committee would call attention to the unfounded
belief of many that continence in young men is injurious to health.

(3.) Bad housing and general conditions of living. When members of
both sexes are crowded together in restricted accommodation in
which often insufficient conveniences are supplied, it is easy to
conceive of a relaxation of the proprieties of life which might
lead to acts of immorality.

In this connection the Committee desire to call attention to the
excellent work done by the Y.W.C.A. and other bodies in the
provision of hostels in which girls are provided with board and